College Costs in Thoreau, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Thoreau, New Mexico. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$750
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Thoreau Overview
Population
23,274
Student Population
1,685 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
93.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Thoreau
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,980
Total After Financial Aid
$84,980
Annual Cost
$21,245
Annual After Aid
$21,245
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,980 |
| Monthly Payment | $965 |
| Total Interest | $30,812 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,792 |
Universities in Thoreau
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Thoreau State University | Public | $7,221 |
| Thoreau Community College | Community | $5,685 |
Thoreau has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Thoreau vs. National Average
| Category | Thoreau | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $750 | $1,050 | -$300 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.3 | 100 | -6.700000000000003 |
Thoreau's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Thoreau
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,685 students
Thoreau has a total population of 23,274, with approximately 1,685 college students (7.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Thoreau offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Thoreau
$36,415
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~60 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Thoreau earn a median starting salary of $36,415, which is $1,415 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,980 (including room and board), it would take approximately 60 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,840 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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